Happy Halloween!

It's scary how fast the end of October came up this year!! I remember thinking back in January (when I got the notice that I would be losing my job as of December 18) - oh that's a loooong way off. Well, now I'm down to a number of weeks left (7) and it seems like a runaway train!

But Halloween has always been a fun time for me! I love seeing all the little kids dressed up! I used to love to work with Chelsea to create a fun new costume each year. Oh sure, sometimes we would buy one, but the homemade ones were always the best! I love handing out the candy and knowing that the little piece of candy puts a smile on their faces!

This year I've already been to one party and have another tonight. The one last night was at my friend Angel's house! He's the most creative person I know and he had the entire house - outside and inside - decorated to resemble a pirate shipwreck. Unbelievable! I will try to post some pictures. There were probably 100 people at the party, most in pirate garb, but a few other interesting costumes (a whoopie cushion, a seagull, Fidel Castro and even a cockroach!). We had a blast. Tonight it's off to an IABW (In A Big Way) dance/party. No theme, but I'm sure lots of fun! Followed by a midnight swim in the hotel pool! Can't wait.

And don't forget that today is also All Hallow's Eve where we honor and remember those loved ones who passed away this year. Unfortunately, I have a long list this year - my dear sweet friend Byron Eliason, Linda Beal, Gordy & Bev Murphy, Paula Dykstra and my Uncle Wayne Ruud. May God bless all their families and friends with the peace that only He can impart.

On a happy note - we get to set our clocks back one hour tonight!! Yeah! One more hour of rest and maybe a little more daylight each day!! Have a great weekend!

Whaaazzup?

Gees, has it been that long since I posted here? I guess it's not even a week, but seems like a lot longer. I'm still battling the cough/cold that I got while on vacation. Not sure if it's a result of flying on an airplane with stale, germ-filled air, or from being wet and cold most of the time I was in Seattle? In any event, I've been coughing a lot and I swear one eyeball almost popped out this morning from a coughing fit. Ugh. Now I'm listening to a neighbors dog bark his head off and it's giving me a headache on top of things. He's a big dog, so I won't confront him/her, but sure do wish it would stop!!

I weighed myself sometime last week and was surprised to discover that I actually LOST 5 pounds while on vacation! That's a first! I think it was due to the fact that I walked a lot - more than I would at home, and I also didn't have access to eat whatever I could shove in my face! In any event, I feel inspired to walk more now. If I can get rid of the cough, and if it stops raining here I will do exactly that. (oh...the dog stopped).

Getting ready for a fun-filled Halloween weekend coming up! I am going to two different parties. The first is at my friend Angel's house. He's one of the most creative peopel I know and he is having a pirate theme party - and I'm sure the house will be decorated to the nines! Then a group I belong to is having a party/dance at a local hotel. That'll be fun! Staying overnight at the hotel and taking part in a midnight swim! Good times! (oops...the dog started up again).

But between now and the weekend, I have a lot going on too. Monday night I'm volunteering at the shelter, Tuesday night is dinner with friends, Wednesday night is LOGOS at church and Thursday night I am going to go back to the water aerobics class. I haven't been in a couple weeks and had every intention of going last week, but the cough really held me back.

So that's whazzup with me. Whaaazzup with you? (and he's still barking)

Vacation Update - Part II

I'm back from Seattle and already miss seeing Chelsea! Time went too fast and we were super busy the whole time. We went to all the places she's told me about - where she's lived, where she has worked, places she goes to, spent one morning at her school (while she was in class, I was trying to look like a student in the coffee shop and then went to the museum), spent a day at the pier watching them throw fish and shopping at all the cute shops, ate at a lot of different and fun places, got to meet Chris's son Mally and went to a movie with him, had dinner with lots of her friends and had a picnic brunch with the families that she Nanny's for! Played a little scrabble and watched a movie and talked! Had a lot of quality time and a lot of fun time with my girl!!

I realize that probably none of this would have been possible for me a year ago! I had a lot of "WOW" moments - starting with the plane ride and being able to fit into the seat comfortably and not needing a seat belt extension. I had less anxiety during the flight (but I think part of that has to do with my treatment for the Graves Disease more than the weight loss). Other "wow" moments were with all the walking we did. I didn't really tire too much, just still hard to go down stairs due to my knee. We walked a lot! And I didn't get out of breath.

Not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow. I guess it's something I have to do, but a person sure could get used to not doing it!! Better be careful what I wish for though.

Vacation Part I - Complete

The first part of my vacation (Sister's Weekend) is now complete. Had a great time with the 4 other sisters that were able to go. I missed having my sister Sandy with us, but hopefully she will feel much better next year and we can get back to 'normal' (whatever that is for us!). We ate a lot, played games, went to a casino, watched a movie, had dinner out one night, had 2 bon fires and saw the first snow of the season all in one weekend! Now I'm unpacked, washing clothes and re-packing for the next leg of my vacation - the trip to Seattle! I can't wait!

I bought a new cabinet/telephone stand for my kitchen at one of the shops in Deer River. It was on sale and it's exactly what I have been looking for! I love it. I'll try to post a picture of it, but you know I am not technically savvy and so it may not happen! I'll also try to post the picture of my sister's and me..but again..don't hold your breath!

Tomorrow I have some last minute things to do and then I'm going to a hotel near the airport to prepare for a 6:35 AM (yes...AM) flight to Seattle! I'm a little nervous, but can't wait to see Chelsea, Chris, Mally and all their friends as well as what Seattle has to offer!

I'll see what I can do about pictures from that trip, too. Have a great week ahead!

Where does time go?

I can't believe it's been that long since I last posted here. Wow. And this week ahead is going to be very busy, so not likely I will post again. I just had a wonderful, but fast passing weekend. Friday night I went to Nona's cabin for the night. We had a very adventurous night with the furnace, fireplace, a petrified (not scared, petrified) animal in the flue (sp??) rain, cold, cards and lots of fun. I could only stay one night and we shopped and had lunch on Saturday before I came home. Today (Sunday) was busy - had to get my nails done!! Also had to go shopping in preparation for my Sister's Weekend coming up on Friday and went to Target to stock up on some necessities. I feel like I should get another free day!

This week is going to be horribly busy:

• Monday: Accompany my sister to her appointment with a surgeon. She was just diagnosed with breast cancer and I know it's best to have another set of ears there. Please say a prayer or two for her. After that I have a dental appointment (cleaning). Then off to my other sisters for a dinner with my aunt & uncle and cousin from Texas before she heads back. Then after that - hair appointment! After 40 it's patch-patch-patch!
• Tuesday: Normal day at work (whatever that is now?). Followed by water aerobics. Haven't been there for a week!
• Wednesday: Accompany my other sister at the hospital for her surgery. More prayers, please. Then that night is LOGOS at church. Oh boy -the group I have this year is VERY spirited. Let's leave it at that for now!
• Thursday: Work..followed by volunteering at the shelter from 6-9:00 that night. When I get back I am going to have to try to pack
• Friday: After a breakfast/brunch/lunch with my sister Sandy (who won't be able to come with us this year - breaks my heart)...we're off for SW 2009. We'll return on Monday! I'm hoping the weather cooperates and we have some beautiful leaves to look at. This has been a tough year for some of the sisters and hoping for a relaxing time.

Then the following week I am home on Tuesday, going to a hotel that night and bright and early Wednesday morning I fly out to Seattle! I'm there until Sunday night (late). I'm looking forward to meeting all Chelsea's friends and the kids she nanny's for. Seeing all the sights and places she's talked about will be fun, too.

So that's my week or week and a half in a nutshell. Going to be busy, a mix of emotions, too. Please say prayers for my sisters, prayers for my travels as well. Thanks!